Torch Rally, Protest Continue Amid Curfew in Manipur
Hundreds take part in torch rally in Imphal West, demanding justice after the killing of two minors in a bomb attack.
IMPHAL— Hundreds of people in Manipur’s Imphal West district participated in a torch rally on April 16, 2026, protesting the killing of two minor children in a bomb attack earlier this month.
The rally was led primarily by Meira Paibis, along with local clubs and civil society organisations. Participants marched through key areas including Tiddim Road, Keisampat Junction, and Singjamei, carrying flaming torches and raising slogans demanding justice, swift arrest of those responsible, and an end to recurring violence in the state.
The protest was triggered by the April 7 incident in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village in Bishnupur district, where suspected militants reportedly hurled a bomb or rocket-like projectile at a civilian residence around 1:00 AM. The attack resulted in the death of a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister while they were asleep, and left their mother critically injured.
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The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the Imphal Valley, leading to a series of demonstrations over the past week. Some protests have escalated into clashes with security forces, resulting in additional casualties and heightened tensions.
Several organisations, including the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation and the Manipuri Students’ Federation, have also organised protests condemning the attack. In multiple instances, demonstrators have defied curfew restrictions, blocked roads, and engaged in acts such as tyre burning across various districts.
Authorities had imposed curfew measures and suspended internet services in parts of Imphal and surrounding areas in an attempt to control the situation. In certain locations, including Singjamei, security personnel used tear gas to disperse crowds as protests intensified.
Also Read- Protests, Curfew Grip Imphal Valley, Internet Ban Continues
Despite these restrictions, public demonstrations have continued, reflecting sustained anger over the killing of the children and broader concerns about the security situation in the state.
Civil society groups and local leaders have submitted memorandums to the state government, demanding strict action against those responsible and calling for stronger preventive measures. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and investigations remain ongoing.
The torch rally in Imphal West forms part of an ongoing wave of protests that has kept the region tense since the April 7 incident.
